How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens
Loft beds and bunk beds can bring fun and utility in the children's room. They also can help in reducing space.
Look for bunk beds that are able to be moved like ones with drawers on the bottom or a trundle that is easy to remove. There are also stacked twins which can be separated to make two beds. Also, think about the weight of the top bunk.
Size
When you're choosing bunk beds for your kids You'll need to think about size, style and safety. Look at the ceiling height to ensure the bunks fit into your space, and make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be set sufficiently apart that children can safely get up and down without having to hit one another or the walls. Also, you'll need to determine whether the top bunk can support a mattress of the same size as the bottom one so you can avoid the need for a trundle or an extra bed in the near future.
You may also opt for a bunk shape that is not traditional, if it suits your space better. For example an L-shaped bunk might be ideal for a small bedroom or even a shared guest room. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a queen-sized or twin-over-full mattress on both upper and lower levels, based on the model you select.
Many of the best bunk bed for teens are designed to grow with your child, converting to two free-standing double beds when they're ready to the size of a double bed. Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed For instance, features the classic farmhouse look with curving headboards. It also features wagon-style guardrails on the top bunk. It's constructed of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has an inbuilt stationary ladder that connects the upper and lower bunk beds. This leaves more space for children to play.
A loft bed is another option that maximizes the corner space in rooms that are tweens. It's great for small spaces since it requires less vertical space and lets you use the lower floor for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older kids because it doesn't require you to use a ladder or stairs, making it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.
Test the height of any bunk bed in your child's room with blue painter tape. This will give you an idea of whether it can be easily climbed into and out at night without causing any damage to heads or the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. Finally, you'll want to keep your family's safety in mind by reading the Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines for bunk beds. These regulations establish standards for guardrails and other features to prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.
Safety
Bunk beds can be the ideal choice for families with children of all age groups. However, it's crucial to consider the safety features before purchasing. You'll need to find bunk beds with railings that are tall enough to keep children from falling or becoming trapped and a mattress that doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Be aware of the weight limit of the bunk bed. Some have a lower weight limit than others.
When selecting a bunk bed, make sure to check the website of the manufacturer to find specifications on the mattress's sizes and weight limits. Most manufacturers will provide guidelines on the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also list the maximum capacity for the weight of the upper bunk bed as well as the bunk bed.
The ideal bunk beds will be solid and sturdy, with a ladder or stair that is attached securely to the frame and comes with side handles. Avoid bunk beds that have slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children love playing on the ground, go for a low-slung bottom bunk to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the floor.
Pick an L-shaped bed if do not have enough space in your child's room or if you do not want it to take up much space. They take up less space and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them suitable for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also ideal for children who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.
If you have more space, you can opt for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. These are usually the most secure and fashionable bunk beds on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden bunk bed is an attractive and sturdy option that grows with your child's growth. It can also accommodate trundle beds (sold separately) to accommodate older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's made from sustainably-sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.
Style
If it's a shared room or just one child, the ideal bunk bed can give teenagers something to be enthusiastic about. Some designs are sleek, minimalist, while others feature more playful elements. Bunk beds come in a variety of sizes, including twin-over-twin, full-overfull, or even queen. A twin over full style is popular with teens since it lets them sleep two children in the same room and still leaves space for a dresser, desk or storage drawers in the bottom. There are some options with Trundle beds that permit the upper floor to accommodate an extra mattress for sleepovers.
Teens also love a twin over king loft bed, which takes up less floor space and provides them with more space to sprawl out or work from home, says Fenton. Metal bunk beds with full-length guardrails are a popular choice for older children because they're "built to last and it's the strongest, grown-up bunk," Fenton adds.
If you want a cool bunk, consider a T-shaped or L-shaped design, which is essentially an elevated platform bed. The beds feature a ladder on the end, which gives the appearance of a sleeker design and gives more space for a desk or dresser under. They aren't as space-saving as bunk beds, but they provide teens with more space in their rooms.
You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for bunk beds that are affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable which means they can be moved around if you're planning to redesign your child's bedroom in the future. They're not as durable as metal or wood bunk beds, and the top bed does not have guardrails.
Bunks with ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient in space and easier to climb. Stairs on the other hand, can also be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models are even able to convert into a desk and chair, allowing your child to build the perfect bedroom space to study or play.
Budget
When shopping for a bunk bed, it's important to think about your budget. While there are plenty of affordable options but if you're planning on purchasing a bunk bed that can last into the teens (or even into adulthood), it may be worth paying more for a high-quality design that will be used for many years to come.
Consider who will use the bunk bed and what their sleeping requirements could be prior to shopping. For instance, a twin-over-twin configuration is great for rooms with siblings or a full-over-full bed is perfect for adults looking to make space and avoid the expense of buying a separate queen or king size mattress. You'll also have to decide the amount of headroom you'd like between the bunks at the top and bottom. If children are still sleeping in toddler beds, for example it could be beneficial to opt for a lower-to-ground configuration.
The best bunk bed for teens is an affordable option, and one that can expand with them. Choose a style that will work in both traditional and modern rooms. You can also choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be separated into two twin beds if needed. This style features a modern, clean-lined silhouette, boucle upholstered guardrails and a sturdy, easy-to-climb ladder. It's also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its social and environmental responsibility.
best bunk bed ideas to save money is to find a bunk with built-in storage options, like drawers under the bed or a shelf below the top. This will allow you to keep your bedroom clutter-free and is particularly useful when you have a small space. A majority of the bunks on our list have this feature. Some even offer additional storage accessories like headboards for a bookcase or desk for the lower bunk.